In 293 days, when contract skirmishes between the Chicago Teachers Union and the Board of Education resume, don't look for the snazzy hats, snippy stares and snappy comebacks that had become a part of the routine.

Thomas Reece, the new CTU president, doesn't exactly possess the fire and flash of his predecessor, Jacqueline Vaughn, who died Jan. 22. In fact, you might describe him as somewhat dull and dumpy.

But in light of his overwhelming victory in the recent CTU election, it's evident that Reece maintains the former president's popularity.

And as he prepares to undergo another grueling round of contract talks starting March 15, it's clear that the 56-year-old former union vice president is inheriting much of Vaughn's agenda: the school system's funding crisis, school violence and a pay increase.

The city will be watching to see what his style will be in handling these critical issues.

"I'm a little on the passive-aggressive side, but I get the job done," Reece, pleased with his 71 percent victory, said Wednesday. "I'm non-confrontational, but I am very determined."

A coalition builder, Reece has a reputation for using the team approach to management, rather than hogging the leadership reins and public spotlight. A sharp contrast to such outspoken leaders as Vaughn, Bob Healey and John Desmond, Reece is known for working quietly and effectively behind the scenes.

Those who work with him say his meekness shouldn't be mistaken for weakness.

"He is very effective," said Pamelyn Massarsky, the CTU's recording secretary who also serves as vice president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, of which Reece is acting president. "It would be a big mistake to underestimate him."

Reece's most pressing issue is to make sure that the cash crunch that threatened the opening of schools last fall isn't repeated when the current contract expires next summer.

The union, hoping to see a permanent solution to the funding shortage and avoid another fight in the General Assembly, is backing Dawn Clark Netsch's income-tax proposal, which would raise an additional $1 billion for schools while reducing their reliance on the property tax. Union officials say they have pledged more than $1,000 to Netsch's gubernatorial campaign and intend to contribute more money by the fall.

Casino gambling, another idea being bandied about by Mayor Richard Daley and other politicians to provide more income for education, is getting only a lukewarm reception from teachers, Reece said.

"It bothers our members that education is dependent upon gambling," Reece said. "They think it's an attempt to make people feel good about gambling, which is something many people don't feel comfortable about."

Teachers throughout the system are particularly concerned about shootings, stabbings and sexual assaults against teachers and students.

A task force started by Vaughn is expected to issue a comprehensive report on school violence over the summer. The report, which will offer such suggestions as providing more counselors and help from community agencies for violent-prone students, is expected to be a major issue between the union and the school board.

In light of the more than $50 million in concessions teachers made in the current contract, the union has been the focus of criticism that it is losing power.

Under the two-year deal ratified last September, teachers' pay was frozen and they were required to make a 1.5 percent contribution for health-care premiums. Teachers also agreed to allow the school board to borrow $110 million from their pension fund.

The package was a sharp contrast to the double-digit raises teachers received in past years.

"It's happening with all kinds of unions and a sign of the changing economy," Reece said.

Next year, the union expects to demand the pay raise it was unable to get last time.

"Our people will be interested in getting more money since they did take the wage freeze," said Reece, who earns $93,000 a year. "Are we going to ask for more money? Absolutely."